Help planning a complete re-assembly

[slowbert]

1 hour ago, Stevenc22 said:

For the dash, there are 2 screws that go in the back under the glass. HOWEVER almost no one reinstalls those 2 screws, so if you don't use those 2 screws you can install the dashboard after you install the glass.

 

+1.  Unless you really hate the person who buys the car after you, leave those screws out. 

 

The dash will be held very securely by the windshield gasket, so it will not rattle.  You will be taking the dash in and out as you finish up wiring, so you will curse those screws if you mistakenly put them in before the windshield.

[rjd2]

thanks for the help. all these tips are great. yes, i will do the new headliner before glass, learned the hard way on my '76. 

 

while i have the front subframe out, should I send the steering gear out for reconditioning? and if so, who does that? since i'm starting from scratch, i am intending to make this car as close to perfect as I can.

 

PS-front and rear windshield is a long way away, but i managed to install these by myself on my last car. for those following along that may be doing similar work, i can detail that procedure if needed.

[rjd2]

I have the front subframe out, and mostly disassembled. What do I need to know about removing the strut insert? I have the lower ball joint removed, and each side's hub/spring assembly on its own. I am replacing them with a bilstein sport system, and want to take the springs out safely. thanks.

[Son of Marty]

Stock springs will require a spring compressor to safely disassemble, most auto parts stores will have them to rent for a few bucks a day.

[rjd2]

thanks-i have a compressor set,  since I'm going in with new springs and strut inserts, I didnt know if I could remove the lower strut insert and leave the entire assembly as it is.

[johnny02]

Since you have a lift, I would try putting the engine/trans assembled on  the subframe and dropping the car down from above when the time comes.   I don't have a lift, and even with a buddy, dropping  the engine/trans in with a hoist was a big headache. 

Edited November 30, 2023 by johnny02

[jimk]

I set the engine on the ground with the subframe removed.  Then the car needs only to be jackstand height once the engine is layed on it's side with manifolds removed.

[slowbert]

12 hours ago, Son of Marty said:

Stock springs will require a spring compressor to safely disassemble, most auto parts stores will have them to rent for a few bucks a day.

Your post reminded me that I have 'rented' spring compressors from O'Reilly Auto several months ago and forgot to bring them back.  Their policy is to charge for the tool up front, then give you 100% back when you return it.

 

[Lucky 7]

My method requires a bit of the ole’ hillbilly hand strength, but it works. This is the part where everybody warns you to definitely NOT do the Lucky 7 method. 🤣

 

 

[slowbert]

8 minutes ago, Lucky 7 said:

the ole’ hillbilly

I’m not sure that the hillbillies who used this method lived to be very old. 

[resra]

32 minutes ago, Lucky 7 said:

My method requires a bit of the ole’ hillbilly hand strength, but it works. This is the part where everybody warns you to definitely NOT do the Lucky 7 method. 🤣

 

 

DANGEROUS in so many levels! 

[Lucky 7]

38 minutes ago, Lucky 7 said:

This is the part where everybody warns you to definitely NOT do the Lucky 7 method. 🤣

 

 

LOL 

 

But yeah, don’t do this. I trust myself for these shenanigans, but not recommended for others. 

[jimk]

If capture lanyards are attached to all the pieces, then they won't be stuck in the walls if one slips.

[JQ02]

On 11/21/2023 at 10:51 AM, slowbert said:

Ultimately, these are very, very simple cars

I'm going to start taking mine apart for engine rebuild, blast and paint at the end of December. I just started typing out my plan last night. I was thinking that very thing! I was doing the mental exercise of what it would take to do same on my (former) 335i convt They are no longer simple.

Edited November 30, 2023 by JQ02

[rjd2]

@Lucky 7 I usually come on marque specific car forums to escape the madness that is the rest of the internet...... touche sir. I just threw up a little bit from that pic.